A housing association has apologised for advertising a cancer sufferer’s home days after his death - despite his grieving wife and teenage son still living in the property.

William Dodds-Reilly, 77, died on June 7 after suffering lung and oesophageal cancer.

His wife Lucy Reilly, 51, informed landlords Moat but was shocked to find the home she had shared with Mr Dodds-Reilly for 17 years in New Moor Close, Southminster, was advertised on the Gateway to Homechoice, a bidding system for social housing.

Hugh Fenn, executive director for housing and customer service: said: “We are very concerned that this miscommunication has caused Mrs Reilly personal distress and have spoken to her directly to offer our apologies.

“Our records did not show other occupants at the property on New Moor Close."

* Full story in this week's Standard.